Open letter to confused Catholics?

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Has anyone ready this book and would recommend it? Just curious as it is SSPX related
 
The book was written by a schismatic archbishop. There are more than enough orthodox Catholic books to read; why waste time and possibly be scandlalised by a book written by a schismatic?
 
Great book and Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre did an excellent job dissecting exactly what went down at Vatican II. He articulated tradition well, and predicted what would happen in most novus ordo parishes in the west a generation later because of the ambiguity, freedom, and liberalism created after the council.
 
notredame_999 said:
Great book and Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre did an excellent job dissecting exactly what went down at Vatican II. He articulated tradition well, and predicted what would happen in most novus ordo parishes in the west a generation later because of the ambiguity, freedom, and liberalism created after the council.
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So should Catholics follow a schismatic Bishop? Or the Popes?
 
diggerdomer said:
So should Catholics follow a schismatic Bishop? Or the Popes?
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Reading this book is not the same as following a schismatic bishop. I strongly recommend reading it. It will help readers to understand the problems in the Church around Vatican II. It will also help to increase readers sympathy for and understanding of the SSPX and, in turn, to understand why the Pope is making so many efforts toward reconciliation with this group. If anything, reading this book assists its readers in following the Pope since it shows us the reasons for his positive attitude toward the SSPX.
 
Its fine to read it to understand the issues of Vatican II. I do not think one should delve into the whys and wherefores of the sspx. When it comes to the issue of the Church and the sspx, we should always side with the legitimate authority, regardless of what our personal feelings in the matter may be.
 
yinekka said:
The book was written by a schismatic archbishop. There are more than enough orthodox Catholic books to read; why waste time and possibly be scandlalised by a book written by a schismatic?
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There is a difference between ‘schismatic’ and ‘disobedient’.
 
Timothysis said:
Its fine to read it to understand the issues of Vatican II. I do not think one should delve into the whys and wherefores of the sspx. When it comes to the issue of the Church and the sspx, we should always side with the legitimate authority, regardless of what our personal feelings in the matter may be.
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The legitimate authority, ie. Pope Benedict XVI, is setting us an example of being sympathetic and understanding toward the SSPX. It is precisely because I side with him that I attempt to imitate this attitude. Reading Open Letter to Confused Catholics was very helpful to me for this purpose.
 
About six months ago I went to the SSPX website and signed up for their free information package. They sent me that book and other materials for free. It is a great book and you will probably enjoy reading it.

Go to their website and sign up for the free materials and you will get a package containing that book for free. Out of the three or four books they will send you, “An open letter to confused Catholics” is the best one. It answered alot of questions I had about the problems that occurred after Vatican II. The author of that book was a key player at Vatican II, so he had alot of insight to what went on at the council.
 
Timothysis said:
Its fine to read it to understand the issues of Vatican II. I do not think one should delve into the whys and wherefores of the sspx. When it comes to the issue of the Church and the sspx, we should always side with the legitimate authority, regardless of what our personal feelings in the matter may be.
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👍 It is kind of like reading a book about the Mormon Church being out-of-step with its traditions written by a practicing polygamist. One sided arguments are never the best for discovering the truth. The world is not flat and the earth DOES circle around the sun!
 
kozlosap said:
👍 It is kind of like reading a book about the Mormon Church being out-of-step with its traditions written by a practicing polygamist. One sided arguments are never the best for discovering the truth. The world is not flat and the earth DOES circle around the sun!
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I’m curious. Is this assessment based on actually reading the book or are you just making assumptions about it based on your prejudices.? There is nothing that I can recall in the book at all reminiscent of assertions that the world is flat and does not circle the sun. It struck me (as a person unfamiliar with the SSPX, which I was at the time) as sensible and insightful.
 
Originally Posted by yinekka
*why waste time and possibly be scandlalised by a book written by a schismatic? *

*Would you have a problem with someone visiting their web site as well? *

There are countless orthodox Catholic websites, why waste time and possibly be scandalised by a website for a group which is not in communion with the Church
 
Having read the book myself, it’s OK to read it to understand where the SSPX are coming from, reading it doesn’t mean that you support the SSPX or agree with their positions. If you decide to read it I would suggest reading it critically, not just accepting statements made in it at face value.
 
yinekka said:
Originally Posted by yinekka
*why waste time and possibly be scandlalised by a book written by a schismatic? *

*Would you have a problem with someone visiting their web site as well? *

There are countless orthodox Catholic websites, why waste time and possibly be scandalised by a website for a group which is not in communion with the Church
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There are countless unorthodox opinions expressed on television, in newspapers and even here on CAF. Do you avoid all these things?

In terms of orthodoxy, the SSPX is better than most media sources. While they are not in full communion with the Church, their orthodoxy is not in question. Even if they were as schismatic as some people claim, heresy and schism are not the same thing.
 
floresco said:
Reading this book is not the same as following a schismatic bishop. I strongly recommend reading it. It will help readers to understand the problems in the Church around Vatican II. It will also help to increase readers sympathy for and understanding of the SSPX and, in turn, to understand why the Pope is making so many efforts toward reconciliation with this group. If anything, reading this book assists its readers in following the Pope since it shows us the reasons for his positive attitude toward the SSPX.
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I think it’s most helpful to understand the problems some had with Vatican II…not the same as the problems “in the Church” around Vatican II. Yes, of course the Church should always have a positive attitude toward and seek reconciliation of those in schism.
 
Yes, of course the Church should always have a positive attitude toward and seek reconciliation of those in schism.
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As well as those who wish the lifting of their own suspensions.
 
The pope has declared the only thing preventing full reconciliation is doctrinal differences.
aodonline.org/AODOnline/News+++Publications+2203/Vatican+News+15751/090312Excommunication.htm
If the case is closed, then the SSPX would not be allowed to enter into discussions with Rome on these issues.

Since the talks are in fact in progress, it would indicate that H.H. wishes their return to full communion.

The SSPX is not in schism, and several churchmen have stated such publicly, yet those who don’t accept that fact, promote the fallacy that they are.
renewamerica.com/columns/mershon/070410

Calumny
newadvent.org/cathen/03190c.htm
 
Please discuss the book or move on to something that interests you, but do not derail the conversation by debating the merits or demerits of the Society. That only leads to uncharitable statements by people on both sides.

Thank You

Thomas Casey
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